Here are some of the questions we are most often asked, and our responses to them…
Q: Where do most of your rescues come from?
A: Most are from private homes and are turned in due to changes in their owners lives or because of a lack of fit between the dog and family (i.e. elderly owner and young, active puppy). We also increasingly are taking in dogs from shelters, breeders, Good Samaritans, and other rescue groups.
Q: Do many of the dogs you take in have problems?
A: Most are healthy for their age and have the typical sweet and endearing Cavalier temperament. That said, we are seeing an increase in dogs with medical issues, such as knees that need surgical correction, and are also seeing more dogs who need behavior rehabilitation, typically for issues like food guarding. Again though, these are in the minority.
Q: Do you adopt to families with children?
A: Yes, but generally the children are school aged or older. Cavaliers are usually wonderful with well behaved, gentle children and enjoy their company. We don’t often adopt to families where children are under the age of 5 though, especially if there is more than one young child and if the family is not dog experienced. Additionally, we would be unlikely to adopt a puppy to a family where any children were under the age of 5 or 6.
Q: Do you you require a physically fenced in yard?
A: No, we evaluate each dog’s needs and go from there. Some dogs grew up being leashed walked and are perfectly happy without a fenced yard. Others were raised with a fenced yard and are happiest this way, in which case we do require a fenced yard. Please note that we don’t support using electric fences with Cavaliers. There is too much risk associated with this type of fencing.
MORE FAQS
Q: How much does it cost to adopt a Cavalier from you?
A: Adoption donations vary based on the age and health of the rescued dog, as well the cost of their medical care, but generally range from $150-$900. Most donations are in the lower to middle end of the range since the majority of dogs we have in our program are adults. If your first question about a dog or our process is “What is the fee”, please know that this is likely not the group or breed for you. Please see www.cavalierhealth.org for information about health concerns in the breed. We want people who are applying to adopt because they are good hearted and looking to help a dog in need of a loving home, versus they don’t want to pay a high fee to a breeder. Also, the breed is apt to develop heart issues down the line which can be costly to treat, so that’s important to consider. Unlike municipal shelters, we receive no government funding, so additional and ongoing contributions are always needed and most welcome. After you adopt from us, please consider an annual gift, perhaps for the holidays, or to recognize your dog’s “gotcha” day.
Q: I completed the online application. Now what?
A: Keep an eye on the website, especially the section for your region, and email the contact person listed when a dog is posted who you might want to adopt and whose stated needs or requirements your family meets. If it looks like you’ll be the best match for the dog, then the process normally proceeds with 1-2 informal telephone interviews, a vet reference check, a visit with the foster family, and a home visit, which is the point where the adoption normally occurs. It sounds like a long process, but once a great match is identified, matters usually progress pretty quickly (i.e. within a week or two). Please know that you only need to fill out the application once unless something substantial in your life has changed. Also, available dogs are posted on our website first and social media at a later date. So, to see currently available dogs or to check the status a dog you are interested in, please look at the website versus social media. Available dogs will be in the Spotlight section of this site.
Frequently askeQ: I live too far away to get the Cavalier I want. Will you ship him to me?d question 3
A: Sorry, but no. We believe it is very important for families to meet the dog they are potentially adopting and to spend enough time to know that a good match is being made, both for the dog and themselves. While we do adopt outside of the state in which a dog is being fostered, we only rarely adopt a dog outside of the region, and we require that the potential new family go to the foster home so that they can meet the dog in an environment to which they’ve been acclimated.
To start the process, please complete our online application…
